Erwin A. Gehrke

Erwin A. Gehrke, age 88 of Mondovi died on Thursday February 9 at the American Lutheran Home of Mondovi with his family at his bedside He was born on November 24, 1923 at the Gehrke homestead farm near Modena. Erwin was the youngest of three sons born to Albert and Minnie (Gleiter) Gehrke. St. Paul Lutheran Church in Modena was a big influence in Erwin’s life. He was baptized, confirmed and attended parochial school there for six years. Erwin graduated from Mondovi High School in 1941 where he was an active member of FFA. Growing up, Erwin was very actively involved in 4-H serving in several capacities such as a member, junior leader, an adult leader, attended the National 4-H Club Congress in Chicago and in 1965 traveled to Europe for the leaders People to People tour. For his efforts as a junior leader, Erwin was awarded a scholarship to Wisconsin Farm Short Course. In1946, Erwin was united in marriage to Eunice Roessler at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma. Erwin and his wife farmed together on the Gehrke home farm for 28 years. They were one of the first farms in the area to produce grade A milk. Erwin would also do custom work for other farmers in the area. Being outdoors and a conservation advocate was Edwin’s way of life. This was evident through his conservation practices on the Gehrke farm. Those that knew Edwin will remember him as a man who gave of himself to community and church. There are many organizations which Erwin participated in and served on, most notably as secretary/treasurer of the Aid Association for Lutherans, board member of the Alma Farmers Union, Mondovi Sportsman and Mondovi Lions clubs. His devotion to the church saw him volunteering his time as a Sunday school teacher, elder at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Modena and Zion Lutheran Church. In 1973, Erwin and his family moved to Mondovi where for 28 years they owned and operated Gehrke Floral and Greenhouses. During this time, Erwin was also employed at Presto, Buffalo County Nutrition and for Dairyland Power. Erwin’s hobbies included fishing, trapping, hunting and photography. His family will remember his stories, jokes and love of playing most any kind of card game and for being a lifelong Packers and Badgers fan. Erwin will be forever remembered and missed by his beloved wife of 65 years, Eunice of Mondovi; Children, Lee (Janice) of Modena, Fay (Don) Stephenson of Menomonie, Larry of Mondovi, Linda Digby of Independence, John (Mary) of Mondovi, Paul (Lizabeth) of Miami, FL and Mark (Kathy) of Eleva; 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; 2 step granddaughters; six step great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson; sister in law, Lila Gehrke of Mondovi and brother in law Donald (Joan) Roessler of Winona; also by many nieces, nephews, dear cousins and friends. Besides his parents, Erwin was preceded in death by his brothers, Arnold (Lillian), and Edwin Gehrke along with an infant sister and his father and mother in law, John and Vernie Roessler. funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 18 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Paul Woebbeking officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in Modena. Visitation will be held on Friday February 17 from 4:00 until 7:00 PM and again on Saturday one hour prior to the services at the Zion Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Online condolences may be sent to www.talbotfuneralhomes.com As a longtime resident at the American Lutheran Home Erwin participated in many activities and appreciated the special and loving care he received.